One day, i was down and out. I was severely depressed; I was broke, and it seemed like troubles came one after another. Joel came to me and said, "Dad, I've got $25. You take it and go out to eat and buy something for yourself." That gesture blessed me more than any words could tell.

I was teaching children about interest. Eva had $10, and I told her if she would let me borrow it, I would repay her $11. Joy had $20 and I told her I would repay her $22. Joel had a least $30, and I told him I would repay him $33. He thought for a minute and said, "How much interest would you give me for loaning you $37.53"---all that he had.

The Lord has blessed my son with many talents including musical. He is very good at all wonderful electronic musical instruments he has. He is always buying, trading, selling and upgrading his equipment. I wrote a song, "When Will Answer Come", about prayer and he put music to it. When it is played, you can feel presence of Lord.

When Joel graduated from high school in 1995, his day was made when his mom came. Her presence made him very happy. Like many young people, he was lost after high school and didn't know what direction to take. I prayed earnestly for him, that God would lead him in right path. Shortly thereafter, he worked at a retail store where he made a solid reputation for himself. He was hard working, dependable, courteous and honest.

One day, he found almost $300 in store. he turned it in. He also found a very valuable watch and turned that in as well. After working there for awhile, he tried some other things, but he wasn't satisfied.

I remember taking him down to cemetery where my dad and other relatives are buried. I said, "Son, Daddy was 40 when he died, my Grandpa was 43." I pointed out some of my other relatives and then said, "Son, I want to tell you something about our family. First of all, we believe in God, secondly we believe in our family, and thirdly, we love our country. If you stick with these three things in life, you will never go astray."

Shortly thereafter, Joel entered Waycross Junior College and graduated concentrating his studies in math, computers, and business. After this, he went to Valdosta State University and graduated in December 2004 with a degree in Business Administration with a major of Marketing.

As a teenager, Joel was born again. He has compassion in his heart for others. He knows how to pray, and God has given him wisdom.

I can't live my son's life. I have told him I've lived mine, and he has to find his way. I also told Joel despite all hurts in his life, Jesus can wipe away all tears.

When I was his age, I had no earthly father. I've told Joel and my daughters, that as long as I'm alive I would be there for them. I also prayed like my Daddy did and said, "Lord, I've only got one son. I dedicate him to you. Use him as you see fit." I'm proud of Joel---a fine young man!

Proverbs 5.1 "My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding."

Update....Joel helped me with my book, My Walk with Lord. This story appears in it...He and his sisters were raised by me in a single parent home..Despite being deprived of a mother's presence, my children were taught about Jesus and his love. Pray Joel gets right job.

Copyright 2005 Irvin L. Rozier, Captain (Ret) US Army

I would suggest that you sit down with a piece of paper and brain storm what your expense are. I will tell you now that you won't be able to think of everything so you will have to make adjustments later. It's hard to remember things like Vet bills.

Now that you know what your income, bills and expenses are you have to set up your savings if you don't already have one. This should be split into long and short term savings. This should be considered just as important as your bills.

It is best to save at least 10% of your income with 50% each going to long and short term savings. The short term saving is going to be your buffer to cover unexpected expenses and possibly for things that are only paid every three, six or twelve months.

Your long term savings needs to be invested in some way. It is always best to consult a professional financial adviser before making a decision how to invest.

Now to answer question "Can I Afford This?". If you have enough money left over, after considering all of above, to afford an extra payment then go for it.

Here is a simple formula:

Income - Bills - Expenses - Savings = How much money you have to pay that extra bill

If item you are considering is important you may want to use some of your short term savings toward things like a down payment. But remember you still have to have enough money each month to cover regular payment.

What if you don't have enough to cover that extra payment? Then you quite simply Can't Afford It.